Freelancers vs Full-Service Bookkeeping Firms: What’s Right for You?

Hiring a freelance bookkeeper may sound flexible and affordable. But is it the best move for your growing business – or just a short-term fix?

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In this post, we break down the pros and cons of freelancers vs full-service bookkeeping firms, so you can decide which path gives you the accuracy, accountability, and scalability you actually need.

What Is a Freelance Bookkeeper?

A freelance bookkeeper is typically:

  • A self-employed individual
  • Working remotely or part-time
  • Handling a handful of clients
  • Paid hourly or by project

Freelancers often work well for:

  • One-off projects
  • Early-stage or solo businesses
  • Basic data entry or bank reconciliation

But many businesses outgrow freelancers when they start needing:

  • Monthly CPA-reviewed reports
  • Catch-up support for multiple months
  • Backup or continuity
  • Consistent communication

What Is a Full-Service Bookkeeping Firm?

A firm like RemoteBooksOnline provides:

  • A dedicated team of trained bookkeepers
  • CPA-reviewed monthly reports
  • Catch-up and cleanup services
  • Phone + email support
  • Flat monthly pricing
  • Built-in processes for accuracy and compliance

You’re not depending on a single person’s availability – the firm ensures continuity, quality control, and audit-readiness every month.

Key Differences at a Glance

FeatureFreelancerFull-Service Firm (e.g., RBO)
OversightSolo – no CPA reviewCPA-reviewed every month
ContinuityRisk of churn or ghostingTeam-based, never goes dark
SupportLimited, often email onlyPhone, email, dedicated team
Catch-Up CapabilityVaries widelyYes – 24+ months supported
ScalabilityHard to grow withBuilt for SMBs at every stage
PricingHourly or inconsistentFlat monthly rate, no surprises

Test Case: Consultant in Denver, CO

A solopreneur hired a freelance bookkeeper via a directory site. Things worked well at first — until the freelancer stopped responding and left three months of unreconciled books just before tax season.

After switching to RemoteBooksOnline:

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  • The entire year was reconciled within 2 weeks
  • All books were CPA-reviewed and tax-ready
  • The consultant gained peace of mind and a full support team

FAQs

Are freelancers cheaper?

Upfront, yes. But over time, inconsistency and errors can cost more – especially during tax season or audits.

What if I only need help for a couple of months?

A freelancer might work. But if you’re behind or growing, a full-service firm is safer and more scalable.

Does a firm mean I get lost in the crowd?

Not at RBO. You get a dedicated team and monthly communication – and you can always reach us by phone.

Can I switch from a freelancer to a firm mid-year?

Yes. We help clean up your books, transition files, and ensure nothing is lost.

Conclusion

A freelance bookkeeper can be a good stopgap. But if you want clean, CPA-reviewed books, consistent support, and room to grow, a full-service bookkeeping firm like RemoteBooksOnline delivers greater long-term value.

If your business is scaling, don’t take chances with solo vendors. Get a team that’s built for your growth.

If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.

Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.

CPA and bookkeeping firms can scale faster with our white-label bookkeeping services fully branded for your clients.

RemoteBooksOnline vs Bookkeeper360: Which Bookkeeping Service Delivers More for Your Business?

What CPA-Reviewed Bookkeeping Really Means

Why Consistency Matters in Small Business Bookkeeping

Streamline Your Finances: Download Our Free Bookkeeping Brochure

Take control of your business finances with confidence! Our detailed brochure provides insights into how Remote Books Online can help you maintain accurate bookkeeping, stay tax-ready, and make informed financial decisions. Discover how our tailored bookkeeping services can support your business growth and simplify your financial management.